RigidCollision
Inactive
Hi guys,
I am putting together a .223 bolt gun using a Howa 1500.
The rifle is predominantly going to be used for target use, initially at 100 - 200 yards with some seriously long range experimentation on the cards. My real buzz is tack driving that target consistently as far away as my skills and my equipment will allow. I will have the occasional fox to despatch for local landowners and .223 seems like a good choice as it has low recoil, is relatively cheap to run and allows for some longer range training. I have had my shoulder rebuilt twice and find recoil tires me out quickly. Most of my shooting is prone.
I have a three way dilemma: 20" varmint barrel, 24" varmint barrel or a 20" fluted varmint. All come with a 1:9 twist. Each has its own virtues, fluted is lighter, heavy is good for felt recoil and accuracy.
I know all the science behind fluting and understand that the cooling advantages are actually negligible in the real world and it renders the barrel less stiff etc... A heavy, short barrel may be stiffer and have better accuracy... A longer heavier barrel may help with felt recoil.
So my question is this: What are the real world differences in the choice I am deliberating over and what would your recommendations be based on your experience?
Any views would be greatly appreciated.
King regards
I am putting together a .223 bolt gun using a Howa 1500.
The rifle is predominantly going to be used for target use, initially at 100 - 200 yards with some seriously long range experimentation on the cards. My real buzz is tack driving that target consistently as far away as my skills and my equipment will allow. I will have the occasional fox to despatch for local landowners and .223 seems like a good choice as it has low recoil, is relatively cheap to run and allows for some longer range training. I have had my shoulder rebuilt twice and find recoil tires me out quickly. Most of my shooting is prone.
I have a three way dilemma: 20" varmint barrel, 24" varmint barrel or a 20" fluted varmint. All come with a 1:9 twist. Each has its own virtues, fluted is lighter, heavy is good for felt recoil and accuracy.
I know all the science behind fluting and understand that the cooling advantages are actually negligible in the real world and it renders the barrel less stiff etc... A heavy, short barrel may be stiffer and have better accuracy... A longer heavier barrel may help with felt recoil.
So my question is this: What are the real world differences in the choice I am deliberating over and what would your recommendations be based on your experience?
Any views would be greatly appreciated.
King regards